Investigation Specialist 1

Minnesota Office of the State Auditor; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor is seeking an Investigator Specialist 1 in Saint Paul to lead investigations into financial irregularities in local governments. This role supports the Special Investigations division and Payroll Processing Unit, working from Monday to Friday with a day shift and occasional travel.

You will gather evidence, craft detailed reports, respond to inquiries, and help determine jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• Experience with governmental accounting principles and auditing standards; or experience interpreting state or federal statutes and case law.
• Experience performing financial auditing or investigating financial irregularities.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work courteously with the public and within a team under time constraints.
• Experience writing professional reports, letters, and other documents that are accurate, concise, and grammatically correct.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine investigations of financial improprieties in local government units with an investigation plan and witness statements.
• Document and maintain case information, correspondence, and evidence for accuracy and traceability.
• Write clear, concise reports summarizing findings and recommending resolutions.
• Review complaints and determine jurisdiction of the Office of the State Auditor.
• Respond to inquiries from local officials and the public about potential misuse of public funds.

Skills

Government accounting principles

Auditing standards

Financial auditing

Interpersonal skills

Professional writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or legal studies

CPA license

Advanced degree

Job description

Working Title: Investigator Specialist 1

Job Class: Investigation Specialist 1

• Job ID: 97560
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: State Auditor / State Auditor-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Payroll Processing Unit / Special Investigations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 10%
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Investigator Specialist 1

Job Class: Investigation Specialist 1

Agency: State Auditor

• Job ID: 97560
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: State Auditor / State Auditor-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Payroll Processing Unit / Special Investigations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 10%
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to investigate matters involving financial irregularities and illegal acts within local government units.

This position will investigate and respond to complaints and issues from citizens and local governments received by the Office of the State Auditor (OSA).

Job duties include:

• Under the general direction of the Director of Special Investigations and in accordance with relevant regulations, statutes, case law, policies, and procedures, conducts routine investigations involving alleged financial improprieties within local government units by developing an investigation plan, gathering necessary documentation, and securing relevant witness statements.
• Documents and maintain case information, correspondence, and evidence to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability of investigation activities.
• Under the general direction of the Director of Special Investigations, writes clear, concise, and factual reports that accurately summarize investigative findings and make recommendations for case resolutions.
• Reviews complaints and conducts preliminary research to determine whether complaints are within the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Auditor.
• Responds to inquiries from local government officials and members of the public related to the potential unlawful use of public funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of governmental accounting principles and auditing standards; or experience analyzing and interpreting state or federal statutes and case law.
• Experience performing financial auditing; or experience conducting investigations into alleged financial irregularities, theft, fraud, or other illegal acts.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to work courteously with members of the public and within a work team operating under time constraints.
• Experience writing professional reports, letters, and other documents that are accurate, concise, and grammatically correct.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a governmental auditing position.
• At least one year of experience in a compliance position within local government.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or legal studies.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure.
• Advanced degree in accounting, law, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a keyboard for extended periods of time which may include repetitive motion.

Additional Requirements

• Job offer is contingent upon candidate passing a job-related background check that may include the following: reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and driver’s history check prior to appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

About State Auditor

The Office of the State Auditor serves Minnesotans by protecting local decisions close to home. The OSA provides support and analysis to local entities so they can make decisions for their communities based on facts. At the OSA we pride ourselves on our supportive work environment for our staff.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.